Future of koala research secured in CQ

The Central Queensland Koala Volunteers have partnered with The Royal Society of Queensland to establish a research trust fund.

Central Queensland Koala Volunteers chair Dr Alistair Melzer says while it won't impact the day-to-day running of the group, it will ensure a future for koala research in central Queensland.

"It's the next phase in the activities of the Central Queensland Koala Volunteers," he said.

"We will carry on as we have been to raise money and to support regional koala research activities.

"But in addition we will be setting aside funds to invest for the future so we're looking forward to the next generation effectively."

The Koala Research Centre, managed in partnership with the Central Queensland Koala Volunteers and other stakeholders, is involved in research from Hughenden to Tambo and Springsure to Mackay and also plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of koala habitat.

He says funding for the group has come wholly from the community in the past and has provided the group with a lot of attention.

"That sort of public profile has been attracting support from some of our regional corporate entities," he said.

Dr Melzer says this kind of attention is paramount with koala numbers dwindling in some areas of the region, particularly those areas susceptible to drought.

"Some populations are stable, some populations have declined significantly, some local populations have gone extinct so it's mixed," he said.

"What we're trying to understand now is what are those areas where koalas are most secure.

"For instance, we believe that the koalas in the ranges from about St Lawrence up to Nebo and almost to Collinsville are probably in the most secure locations in terms of future droughts.

"There are also areas around Carnarvon and the foothills of the Blackdown Tablelands as well where koalas seem to have a refuge from drought."

Dr Melzer says all members of the public are welcome to become involved with the Central Queensland Koala Volunteers in any form and can find more information here.